It’s often described as “blissful paradise” where everyone walks around with wide smiles and cocktails in hand. But for roomsXML’s Mark Luckey, this was not the case:
I’d booked the ultimate getaway in paradise, well at least I thought I did – me, my wife, my mum and my daughter on a week-long getaway to Fiji.
We packed our bags and boarded the plane, but what we found wasn’t what we expected. This stunning escape practically ruined island holidays for me – in the best possible way:
ANNOYINGLY PERFECT WEATHER
Image: Aaron Burden/Unsplash
I know Fiji is prone to rain this time of year, but the doom and gloom of the weather forecasters at the resort was unbelievable. On the day we turned up there was a warning attached to the front of the door talking about three inches of rain, cyclones, flash flooding, nasty winds and basically, don’t expect to be getting outside any time soon.
This happened on three occasions during the stay at the Outrigger. But, all we had were blue skies with the occasional smattering of cloud. Sunburn to prove it. The weatherman was a total fail.
DREADFULLY DELICIOIUS DISHES
Image: Jay Wennington/Unsplash
You know that feeling when you’re expecting average food – but end up tasting the best meal you’ve ever tried. Yeah well, that happened to us. Everything tasted delicious. Even the food on the kid’s menu was worth tasting.
We ate at an award winning fine dining restaurant and I hate to admit it, it deserved every part of that award. Cape Grim stake from Tasmania, rack of lamb from New Zealand, overlooking the setting sun. Another tasty morsel? Yes please – reputation fail – the food was awesome.
RIDICULOUSLY RELAXING
Image: Chris Osmond/Unsplash
I run, I walk the dogs, I go swimming, I teach karate. I wasn’t looking forward to doing nothing. But I enjoyed lying by the pool with the staff bringing my food and drinks. It was ridiculous how far I had to stumble to cool down – 8m!
CAPTIVATING CHEAP
Image: Jakob Owens/Unsplash
Coral Coast, resort, captive audience, you would think prices would skyrocket. They didn’t. We were treated to complimentary champagne and something a little bit sweet delivered to our room each day. There’s also happy hour at the bars and overall everything was well priced.
Thanks Fiji, I’ll definitely have to return in the near future!
Bula Vanaka!
